Capello: Zaccheroni needs players with personality

Italian former professional football manager, Fabio Capello (C) speaks after receiving a "Coach Career Award" during the 10th edition of the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards on January 3, 2019 in Dubai.
Image Credit: AFP

Dubai: Former England manager Fabio Capello has said UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni will need “players with personality” to “do something” at the Asian Cup, which gets under way against Bahrain in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

“Zaccheroni managed Japan and did a fantastic job,” Capello said of his fellow Italian, who lifted the Asian Cup with the Samurai Blue in 2011. “Now I think he can do a lot here (in the UAE) because he knows a lot about Asian football. This is important, he has experience and is a really good manager.”

The two Italians go back a long way with Zaccheroni succeeding Capello at AC Milan in 1998, and Capello referring Zaccheroni for the UAE job when consulted back in October 2017.

Zaccheroni has only won two of his last 10 matches however, and comes into the UAE-hosted Asian Cup under pressure and without two key players, Omar Abdul Rahman and Rayyan Yaslam, who are both injured.

“All the people know the best teams in Asia are Japan and South Korea,” said Capello. “This year it is possible China can do something with Marcelo Lippi, but the UAE is also part of Asia to win this title. The pressure is different when you play in the Asian Cup however, and it will need players with personality, because without personality it’s difficult.”

Sign up for the Gulf News Newsletter

Find us on Social

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you.
Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.